Decisions 21 January 2008

Monday 21 January 2008 at 5pm in Speaker’s House

Present:

The Speaker, in the Chair

Sir Stuart Bell

Nick Harvey

Leader of the House

Mr David Maclean

Mrs Theresa May

1. PARLIAMENTARY PAY AND ALLOWANCES (MEC)

The Members Estimate Committee discussed the Government’s proposal to refer the recommendations on Members’ allowances in the SSRB report to the MEC.They also noted a paper from the Members Estimate Audit Committee on governance and accountability issues about Members’ allowances.It was agreed to hold an additional meeting on Monday 4 February after the debate in the House to consider how to proceed.

2. HISTORY OF PARLIAMENT TRUST

The Commission referred the annual report and financial statement of the History of Parliament Trust to the Finance and Services Committee and agreed that in future years this annual report would be considered by that Committee.

3. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (Commission and MEC)

The Commission approved a Supplementary Estimate for 2007–08 for Administration of up to £5.2 million resources.

4. ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

The Commission took note of the annual report of the Association.

5. SCOPE OF EUROPEAN TRAVEL ALLOWANCE (MEC)

The Committee agreed not to change the scope of the European travel allowance.

6. NEXT MEETING

The next meetings of the Commission/MEC will take place on Monday 4 February and Monday 25 February 2008 at 5pm in Speaker’s House.